Classy Crusaders so close to victory
Town dominate at unbeaten Saints but can’t find killer goal
HUNGERFORD had plenty of chances, but couldn’t make them count as they were denied all three points at unbeaten St Albans, writes
CIARAN MORRISON.
This second-versus-fourth clash lived up to expectations with a competitive and feisty affair, but surprisingly failed to deliver the goals.
In the end the hosts will be the happier side with a point as the visitors rue missed opportunities to collect their seventh win of the campaign.
Manager Danny Robinson selected the same starting XI that defeated Slough Town on Tuesday, with Matt Partridge coming on to the bench at the expense of Sam Alderson.
Saints edged the opening exchanges, but had only two Shaun Jeffers efforts easily saved by Luke Cairney to show for their efforts.
It was Crusaders who had the best chance of the half on 10 minutes.
A swift counter attack started by Callum Willmoth gathered pace with Mike Jones down the flank, but his cross was just behind Craig Fasanmade, meaning the striker couldn’t get a clean purchase on the shot.
Hungerford dominated the second half and Fasanmade had two golden opportunities, but on both occasions Saints keeper Michael Johnson made quality saves to keep his side level.
Saints’ best opportunity came from a free-kick which Cairney punched clear to Michwell Wiess, whose effort was blocked by Matt Berry-Hargreaves.
Ryan Seager tried a speculative effort from his own half, sensing Johnson off his line, but the ball landed on the roof of the net.
Jones had a shot deflected wide from a James Rusby long throw and from the resulting corner Saints scrambled the ball off the line.
Sub Partridge, unmarked at the back post, failed to convert Louis McGrory’s cross before strong penalty shouts for a pull on fellow sub Luke Hopper in the 90th minute were waved away.